This film is part of Free
Paignton 1957
The camera - perhaps wielded by an enthusiastic dad - was ever-present on this family holiday in 1950s Devon
Overview
Where better to see the golden age of the British seaside than a real family’s trip to the so-called English Riviera? Three happy children, two adorable dogs, and one very impressive sand sculpture are the stars of this endearing - if rather long - home movie. It's guaranteed to make you nostalgic if you've ever holidayed around Plymouth, Goodrington, Dartmeet, or the titular Paignton.
Cameras capable of capturing moving images were, of course, considerably less ubiquitous in 1957 than they are today; and with some rudimentary understanding of shooting techniques (not to mention a steady hand), the cameraperson responsible for these images must have been a forward-looking individual. Look out for their creative homemade intertitles - written in sand at the beach, or spelled out in plastic letters on a pinboard.
Related
From Paignton to Dartmouth From Paignton to Dartmouth
Amateur film 1954 5 mins Silent Location: Paignton
An intimate family trip is captured in Devon's beautiful South Hams.
Holiday Season on the English Riviera Holiday Season on the English Riviera
News 1970 3 mins Location: Paignton
How are resorts on the English Riviera gearing up for the latest tourist season?
Tiger cubs born at Paignton Zoo Tiger cubs born at Paignton Zoo
Current affairs 1973 1 mins Silent Location: Paignton
Cubs come out to play at Paignton Zoo
Paignton Parachutists Paignton Parachutists
Current affairs 1962 1 mins Silent Location: Paignton
Land, Drop and Roll; Parachutists have landed on Paignton Green near the harbour
Paignton Zoo Young Paignton Zoo Young
Current affairs 1976 1 mins Silent Location: Paignton
Baby Season at Paignton Zoo - meet the new arrivals
Sue Barker in the Ladies Tennis BP Cup Sue Barker in the Ladies Tennis BP Cup
News 1977 5 mins Location: Paignton
It's a question of Sue: tennis player Sue Barker competes against an American opponent in the Ladies Indoor Tennis BP Cup.
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.